Self-propelled baling vehicle

ABSTRACT

Self-propelled vehicles for forming bales of crop or forage material are disclosed. The self-propelled baling vehicles include independently driven real wheels and front caster wheels that allow the baling vehicle to turn with a counter-steer profile. In some embodiments, the center of mass of the formed bale is toward the rear of the vehicle to improve the weight distribution of the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national stage applicationof PCT/US2017/033519, filed May 19, 2017, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/338,577, filed May 19, 2016,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure relates to self-propelled baling vehiclesand, in particular, self-propelled baling vehicles that includeindependently driven real wheels and front caster wheel assemblies thatallow the baling vehicle to turn with a zero-turning radius.

BACKGROUND

Baling of forage or crop material typically involves a baling implementthat is towed by a pull vehicle such as a tractor. The baling operationitself is relatively expensive as both the baling implement and aseparate tractor must be purchased for baling. Self-propelled balingvehicles have been developed; however, previous designs have beencommercially limited as they suffer from poor maneuverability, do notprovide sufficient visibility for the operator and provide a poorquality of operator ride.

A need exists for new baling vehicles that are self-propelled, that arehighly maneuverable and that improve the operator ride while providingsufficient maneuverability.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the disclosure, which aredescribed and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to behelpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a self-propelledbaling vehicle for forming a bale of material. The vehicle has avertical axis and a longitudinal axis. The baling vehicle includes achassis and first and second rear drive wheels attached to the chassis.The first and second rear drive wheels each have a rotational axis. Thevehicle includes drive systems for independently controlling a drivespeed of each of the first and second rear drive wheels so that thespeed of the first drive wheel is selectively controllable relative to aspeed of the second drive wheel and so that differences in the firstdrive wheel speed and the second drive wheel speed enable vehiclesteering. A front caster wheel is connected to the chassis. The frontcaster wheel is mounted on a suspension mechanism to allow the frontcaster wheel to move toward the chassis relative to the vertical axis.The front caster wheel has a rotational axis. A distance D₁ separatesthe rotational axes of the rear drive wheels and the rotational axis ofthe front caster wheel. The vehicle includes a baling chamber forforming the bale. The chamber has a central axis that is transverse tothe longitudinal axis and intersects a center of mass of the completedbale. The central axis is (1) at or rearward to the rotational axes ofthe first and second rear drive wheels or (2) forward to the rotationalaxes of the first and second rear drive wheels with the distance betweenthe central axis and the rotational axes of the first and second reardrive wheels being less than about 0.25*D₁.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a self-propelledbaling vehicle for forming a bale of material. The baling vehicle has aweight and includes a chassis and first and second rear drive wheelsattached to the chassis. The first and second rear drive wheels eachhave a rotational axis. At least about 60% of the weight of the vehicleis supported by the rear drive wheels. The vehicle includes drivesystems for independently controlling a drive speed of each of the firstand second rear drive wheels so that the speed of the first drive wheelis selectively controllable relative to a speed of the second drivewheel and so that differences in the first drive wheel speed and thesecond drive wheel speed enable vehicle steering. A front caster wheelis connected to the chassis. The vehicle includes a baling chamber forforming the bale.

Yet a further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to aself-propelled baling vehicle for forming a bale of material. Thevehicle includes a chassis and first and second rear drive wheelsattached to the chassis. The first and second rear drive wheels eachhave a rotational axis. The vehicle includes drive systems forindependently controlling a drive speed of each of the first and secondrear drive wheels so that the speed of the first drive wheel isselectively controllable relative to a speed of the second drive wheeland so that differences in the first drive wheel speed and the seconddrive wheel speed enable vehicle steering. A front caster wheel isconnected to the chassis. The vehicle includes a cab enclosing anoperator station and a baling chamber for forming the bale. The vehicleincludes an engine for propelling the vehicle. The engine is disposedbetween the cab and the baling chamber.

Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to theabove-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the presentdisclosure as well. These refinements and additional features may existindividually or in any combination. For instance, various featuresdiscussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be incorporated into any of the above-describedaspects of the present disclosure, alone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a self-propelled baling vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the self-propelled baling vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the self-propelled baling vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a caster assembly of the self-propelledbaling vehicle;

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional side view of the self-propelled baling vehicleshowing the baling chamber;

FIG. 6 is cross-sectional side view of the self-propelled baling vehicleshowing a portion of the baler drive system;

FIG. 7 is perspective view of the self-propelled baling vehicle showingthe engine mounting brackets;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the self-propelled baling vehicle showingthe drive systems;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the baling vehicle showing a hydraulicsuspension system.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a self-propelled balingvehicle;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the self-propelled baling vehicle of FIG. 10;and

FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of a self-propelled baling vehicle.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A self-propelled baling vehicle for forming a bale of crop or foragematerial is generally referred to as “1” in FIG. 1. The vehicle 1includes a baling device 5 that is supported by a chassis 9. A pick-updevice 11 (FIG. 2) rotates to feed crop or forage material to the balingdevice 5. The vehicle 1 is controlled from an operator station 13 and ispowered by an engine 101 (FIG. 1). Each of the operator station 13,engine 101 and baling device 5 are supported by the chassis 9 (i.e., theengine 101 is not part of a towed vehicle such as a tractor thatreleasably connects to the baling device 5 by a hitch assembly attachedto an implement tongue).

The vehicle 1 includes first and second rear drive wheels 17 that aredriven by first and second motors 23 (FIG. 8) that are disposed withinthe drive wheels. The rear drive wheels 17 each have a rotational axisR₁₇ about which the drive wheels 17 rotate. In the illustratedembodiment, the wheels 17 have a common rotational axis R₁₇. In otherembodiments, the wheels 17 are offset from each other and have differentaxes of rotation. The drive wheels 17 are attached to the chassis 9. Insome embodiments, the drive wheels 17 have a diameter of at least about4 feet, or at least about 5 feet or even at least about 6 feet (e.g.,from about 4 feet to about 8 feet or from about 4 feet to about 6 feet).

The rear wheels 17 are fixed to the chassis 9 such that the wheels 17maintain parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3) of thevehicle 1 (i.e., do not pivot with respect to the chassis 9). In someembodiments, the rear drive wheels 17 are not suspended from the chassis9. In other embodiments, the rear drive wheels 17 are suspended.

The longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3) of the vehicle 1 extends from a front55 (FIG. 1) to a rear 57 of the vehicle 1. As referenced herein, the“front” of the vehicle 1 refers to a leading portion or end of thevehicle 1 relative to the longitudinal axis during bale formation. The“rear” refers to the trailing portion or end relative to thelongitudinal axis A during bale formation. Similarly, the terms “frontcaster wheels” and “rear wheels” refer to the relative position of thewheels relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1 duringbaling. The vehicle 1 also includes a lateral axis B (FIG. 3) thatextends from a first side 58 to a second side 59 of the vehicle 1 andthat is transverse to the longitudinal axis A. The vehicle 1 alsoincludes a vertical axis D (FIG. 2).

With reference to FIG. 8, the first and second drive wheels 17 are eachdriven and controlled by separate drive systems 15. Each drive system 15has a drive motor 23 for rotating the drive wheel 17 forward orbackward. The drive motors 23 may be hydraulic motors that are driven bya pump 20 that is powered by the engine 101. Each drive wheel 17 may becontrolled by a separate circuit (i.e., separate hydraulic pumps 20 withfluid lines 22 connected to the drive wheel motors 23). The first andsecond pumps 20 may be hydrostatic, variable displacement pumps. In someembodiments, fixed displacement or variable displacement motor(s) may beused.

The wheels 17 are powered and rotated independently by the drive systems15. Accordingly, the wheels 17 can be rotated at different speeds bydriving the motors at different speeds. In the drive wheel steeringmode, the wheels 17 are driven at different speeds by the drive system15. In this mode, the motors 23 receive different amounts of fluid fromthe respective pumps 20 to differentiate the speed of the wheels 17.Separate fluid lines 22 extend between each pump 20 and drive motor 23to independently rotate the wheels 17. The direction of fluid flow maybe forward or reverse to independently rotate the wheels forward orreverse to propel the vehicle forward, reverse, through an arc (e.g., asduring steering) or about a vertical axis midway between the drivewheels 17 (e.g., as during zero turn steering).

The vehicle 1 includes a control system to control the drive wheels 17and front caster wheels 27 based on inputs from an operator. The controlsystem includes a control unit 80, speed and direction control device78, a mode selector 79 and steering mechanism which is shown as asteering wheel 67. The speed and direction control device 78, modeselector 79 and steering wheel 67 may be controlled from the operatorstation 13.

The control unit 80 includes a processor and a memory. The processorprocesses the signals received from various sensors, selectors andcontrol devices of the system. The memory stores instructions that areexecuted by the processor.

Control unit 80 may be a computer system. Computer systems, as describedherein, refer to any known computing device and computer system. Asdescribed herein, all such computer systems include a processor and amemory. However, any processor in a computer system referred to hereinmay also refer to one or more processors wherein the processor may be inone computing device or a plurality of computing devices acting inparallel. Additionally, any memory in a computer device referred toherein may also refer to one or more memories wherein the memories maybe in one computing device or a plurality of computing devices acting inparallel.

The term processor, as used herein, refers to central processing units,microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits(RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits,and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functionsdescribed herein. The above are examples only, and are thus not intendedto limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term“processor.”

In one embodiment, a computer program is provided to enable control unit80, and this program is embodied on a computer readable medium. In anexample embodiment, the computer system is executed on a single computersystem, without requiring a connection to a server computer. In afurther embodiment, the computer system is run in a Windows® environment(Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond,Wash.). In yet another embodiment, the computer system is run on amainframe environment and a UNIX® server environment (UNIX is aregistered trademark of X/Open Company Limited located in Reading,Berkshire, United Kingdom). Alternatively, the computer system is run inany suitable operating system environment. The computer program isflexible and designed to run in various different environments withoutcompromising any major functionality. In some embodiments, the computersystem includes multiple components distributed among a plurality ofcomputing devices. One or more components may be in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium.

The computer systems and processes are not limited to the specificembodiments described herein. In addition, components of each computersystem and each process can be practiced independent and separate fromother components and processes described herein. Each component andprocess also can be used in combination with other assembly packages andprocesses.

The mode selector 79 allows the operator to select a desired mode ofoperation (i.e., drive wheel steering mode or caster wheel steeringmode). The control unit 80 receives the signal from the mode selector 79and controls the mode of the steering system in response to the signal.The mode selector 79 may be, for example, part of a touch screen, a softkey, toggle switch, selection button or any other suitable interface forselecting the steering mode.

The speed and direction control device 78 is typically hand-operated andmay be a sliding lever that that causes an increase in forward speed asthe lever is slid forward of a neutral position and an increase inreverse direction as the lever is slid rearward of the neutral position.The speed and direction control device 78 produces a signal in responseto its position and the signal is transmitted to the control unit 80.The control unit 80 produces an output signal transmitted to thehydraulic pumps 20 that drive the rear wheels 17. The speed may also becontrolled by a throttle that controls the engine speed. The vehicle 1may be stopped by moving the direction and speed control device 78 to azero-speed setting and/or by operating foot brake levers.

In the illustrated embodiment, steering may be performed by a steeringmechanism shown as a steering wheel 67 which regulates the steeringsystem. For example, in the drive wheel steering mode, a sensor 81measures the direction and angle of the steering wheel 67 and sendssignals to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 produces a signalthat is transmitted to the hydraulic pumps 20 to independently regulatethe rotational speeds of the first and second drive wheels 17 (i.e., therotation speed and direction of rotation of each drive wheel 17

In other embodiments, speed and/or steering may be controlled bydifferent operator controls such as wheel levers, digital inputs,joysticks, dual sticks, and headsets.

In some embodiments, the self-propelled vehicle 1 is configured tooptionally operate autonomously. The vehicle 1 may include sensors(e.g., cameras, GPS sensors and the like) that sense the position of thewindrow and/or that may sense the position of the vehicle in the field.The vehicle 1 may also include a controller that sends signals to thefirst and second rear wheel pumps or to various actuators toindependently control the first and second rear drive wheels. In someembodiments, the field in which the vehicle is propelled is mapped andthe field map is used to autonomously control the operation of thevehicle in the field. In such embodiments, the vehicle may include ariding station to carry an operator or the operator station may beeliminated.

The self-propelled vehicle 1 includes first and second front casterwheels 27 that are pivotally connected to the chassis 9 about a verticalpivot axis (which may be offset from the vertical axis at a casterangle). The front and second caster wheels 27 swing below a portion ofthe chassis 9. The front caster wheels 27 are spaced to allow thewindrow of crop or forage material to pass between the front casterwheels 27 and engage the pickup device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, teeth 29of the pick-up device 11 are positioned between the front caster wheels27 relative to a lateral axis B (FIG. 3) of the vehicle 1. In someembodiments, the front caster wheels 27 are separated by at least fivefeet or at least about seven feet. Similarly, the rear wheels 17 arespaced to allow the baling device 5 (FIG. 1) to be positioned betweenthe rear wheels. In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 includes a singlefront caster wheel.

The front caster wheels 27 are independently suspended from the chassisto absorb forces transmitted during travel over uneven terrain. Thefront caster wheels 27 pivot with respect to the chassis 9 about theirpivot axis to allow the wheels 27 to be aligned with the direction oftravel of the vehicle 1 and as a response to the differential speed ofthe first and second drive wheels 17. In some embodiments, the frontcaster wheels 27 are freely pivotal and turn only as a response to thedifferential speed of the rear drive wheels 17. In other embodiments,the front caster wheels 27 are steered (e.g., controlled to coordinateturning with rear drive wheels or steered independently of the reardrive wheels 17).

Each front caster wheel 27 has a rotational axis R₂₇ (FIG. 3) aboutwhich the front caster wheels 27 rotate. In the illustrated embodiment,the wheels 27 have a common rotational axis R₂₇.

The front caster wheels 27 may be part of first and second swivel casterassemblies 31. Generally the first and second swivel caster assemblies31 and subframes 41 described below are symmetric and description hereinof an assembly or subframe also applies to the second assembly orsubframe (e.g., description of a hub of the assembly indicates that thefirst assembly has a first hub and that the second assembly has a secondhub). Each assembly 31 includes a hub 35 (FIG. 4) and a caster shaft 37(which may be referred to as a “kingpin”) that rotates within the hub35. The swivel caster assemblies 31 may include bushings or bearingswithin the hub 35 that allow for rotation of the shaft 37 within the hub35. Each caster shaft 37 is connected to a leg assembly 42 that connectsto the front caster wheel axle. In the illustrated embodiment, the legassembly 42 includes a single leg that attaches to an inner side of thewheel axle. In other embodiments, the leg assembly includes two legsthat connect to the axle of the front caster wheel on each side of thewheel (as with a caster fork).

The hub 35 and shaft 37 form a swivel joint 43. The first and secondfront caster wheels 27 of the caster assemblies 31 are each connected toa subframe 41 by the swivel joint 43. The subframes 41 are suspendedfrom the chassis 9 by a mechanism having a suspension element 49, shownas a hydraulic cylinder in the illustrated embodiment. With reference toFIG. 9, each cylinder 49 may be connected to an accumulator 50 in thesuspension system with the hydraulic fluid being provided from a source54 by a hydraulic pump 52. Other suspension elements such as shockabsorbers may be used in other embodiments.

Each subframe 41 is also pivotally attached to the chassis 9 at an outerpivot point P₁ and an inner pivot point P₂. In this arrangement, thechassis 9 is supported by the subframes 41 and the chassis 9 andcomponents carried by the chassis (e.g., operator station) may move upand down relative to the subframes 41 as the vehicle 1 travels overuneven terrain.

As shown in FIG. 4, the subframe 41 has a longitudinal arm 45 (or “firstarm”) and lateral arm 47 (or “second arm”) that each extend from thechassis 9. The swivel joint 43 is at the point at which the arms 45, 47meet and is forward of the inner and outer pivot points P₁, P₂ relativeto a longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3) of the vehicle 1. The swivel joint 43is also outward to both the inner and outer pivot points P₁, P₂ relativeto the lateral axis B (FIG. 3) of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the outer pivotpoint P₁ of each subframe 41 is positioned between the inner pivot pointP₂ and the point of attachment of the suspension element 49 relative tothe lateral axis B).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 45 is generally parallel tothe longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3) and the second arm 47 is generallyparallel to the lateral axis B. In other embodiments (FIGS. 10-11), thefirst arm 145 is angled upward toward the swivel joint 143 with respectto the longitudinal axis A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.10-11, the second arm 147 is generally parallel to the lateral axis B.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second front caster wheels 27 (i.e.,the axes of rotation R₂₇ of each wheel) are offset from the swivel joint43 relative to the longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3) of the vehicle. Theoffset allows the first and second front caster wheels 27 to self-alignwith the direction of travel of the vehicle 1 as the vehicle is steeredby differences between the speeds of the rear wheels 17.

The offset of the caster wheels (i.e., distance between the axis ofrotation R₂₇ of the wheel and the swivel joint 43 relative to thelongitudinal axis A) may be at least 4 inches, at least about 8 inchesor from about 8 to about 20 inches. These ranges are exemplary and otherranges may be used unless stated otherwise.

In other embodiments and/or in different modes of operation the frontcaster wheels 27 are steered. In such embodiments, the offset may beeliminated.

The caster assemblies 31 allow the first and second front caster wheels27 to self-align with the direction of travel of the vehicle while it issteered by the difference in the speed of rotation of the rear wheels17. In some embodiments, the first and second front caster wheels 27pivot independently from each other. In other embodiments, the first andsecond front caster wheels 27 are connected through linkages (e.g., asin an Ackerman steering arrangement).

Generally, the front caster wheels 27 are freely pivotable (i.e., arenot steered or otherwise controlled) during baling operation. In otherembodiments, the front caster wheels are steered, such as during one ormore various modes of operation. Caster wheel steering may be enabled bya steering system 19 (FIG. 8) having a steering mechanism 67 (shown as asteering wheel) connected to a steering actuator 53 which is connectedto adjustable length tie rods 61. The steering actuator 67 may be ahydraulic cylinder such as a double acting hydraulic cylinder having athrough-rod 65 that extends from each side which pushes/pulls the tierods 61 to commonly align the caster wheels 27. Each tie-rod 61 is shownas a three-position cylinder 63 (which may be referred to herein as a“floating cylinder”). The barrels of each cylinder 63 are each connectedto a hydraulic system 83 that regulates the fluid flow to the cylinders63. The hydraulic system 83 includes a pump 85, a valve 87 and ahydraulic fluid tank 89. The hydraulic system 83 is configured topressurize the cylinders 63 to lock the tie-rods 61 in the caster wheelsteering mode and to allow the cylinders 63 to float in a drive wheelsteering mode.

The vehicle 1 may be selectively steered in a drive wheel steering modeby controlling the rate and direction of rotation of the drive wheels17. In the drive wheel steering mode, the cylinders 63 float (i.e.,freely retract and extend) to allow the caster wheels 27 to self-alignwith the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the cater-wheel steeringmode, the floating cylinders 63 are locked, which allows movement of thesteering actuator 63 to be translated to the caster wheels to steer thecaster wheels 27.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rear wheels 17 have a diameter larger than thefront caster wheels 27. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameterof the rear wheels 17 to the diameter of the front caster wheels 27 isat least about 1.25:1 or at least about 1.5:1 or even at least about3:1. The front caster wheels 27 may have a diameter of at least about 20inches or even at least about 30 inches, at least about 40 inches oreven at least about 50 inches.

With reference to FIG. 5, the vehicle 1 includes a baling device 5 thatincludes an expandable baling chamber 62 for forming a bale. In theillustrated embodiment, the baling device 5 is cylindrical to formcylindrical bales (i.e., round bales). The baling device 5 operates byutilizing a series of bale forming belts 64 routed around a series ofrollers 66 a-1. Alternatively, a single bale forming belt may beutilized. Additionally, the baling device 5 includes a drive gear 65(FIG. 6) that is driven by a baler motor. The drive gear 65 is connectedto several rollers 66 to rotate the belts 64 during bale formation andduring bale wrapping sequences. The baling device 5 also includes one ormore belt tighteners 72 (FIG. 5). It should be noted that any of theknown round baler device arrangements may be used as the baler device 5including, variable chamber balers (as shown) and fixed chamber balers.The baler device may include a single drive motor as shown or mayinclude two or more drive motors. The drive motor may be positioned atother sprocket locations.

The baler device 5 includes a pick-up device 11 (FIG. 2) to pick-up cropor forage material. The pick-up device 11 is shown in a raised position.During baling, the pick-up device 11 is in a lowered position in whichthe rotating teeth 29 of the device 11 contact the crop or foragematerial and direct it toward the baling chamber 62. As material ispicked up by the pick-up device 11, and deposited in the baling chamber62, the material is compressed by the plurality of bale forming belts64. Rotation of the pick-up device 11 is driven by a separate motor(e.g., hydraulic motor).

Tension is maintained in the bale forming belts 64 by one or more belttighteners 72 to ensure a properly compressed bale. Once a full bale(not shown) is formed, the vehicle is stopped and a wrapping sequence iscommenced by a wrapping mechanism 82. The wrapping mechanism 82 isconfigured to apply one or more layer of wrap material to the outercircumference of the completed bale. The wrap material is spooled on aroll. A linear actuator directs wrap material into contact with theouter perimeter of the completed bale. The bale device drive motorpowers the belts to cause the bale to continue to rotate to pull thewrap material from the supply roll and onto the circumference of thebale. After the wrap sequence is complete, the wrap material is cut. Thewrap material may include a variety of materials suitable for retainingthe shape of the bale, protecting the bale and for limiting exposure ofthe bale to moisture. Rope-like twine, sheet-type netwrap, plastic orfabric sheets, or film-type sheets are just some examples of commonlyused wrap material.

Once the wrapping sequence is completed, the completed bale is ejectedfrom the baling chamber 62 by initiating opening of a tailgate 74. Thebaling device 5 includes a discharge ramp 90 that causes the bale toroll away from the vehicle 1 to clear the tailgate 74 as the tailgatecloses. The ramp 90 may be lowered as the tailgate 74 opens and raisedbefore the tailgate closes to push the bale further away from thetailgate.

The vehicle 1 includes an engine 101 (e.g., gas or diesel poweredengine) that drives one or more hydraulic pumps which in turn power thevarious hydraulic motors and cylinders (e.g., first and second drivewheel motors, baling chamber motor, pick-up device motor, pick-up devicelift cylinder, tailgate cylinder and/or ramp cylinder). The engine 101also provides power for the electrical systems of the vehicle 1. Theengine 101 is between the rotational axes R₁₇ of the rear drive wheels17 and the rotational axes R₂₇ of the front caster wheels 27.

The engine 101 is arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis A of thevehicle 1. The engine 101 is supported by engine isolators and mountingbrackets 111 (FIG. 7) that are attached to the chassis 9. The engine 101includes a radiator 105 (FIG. 1) and a cooling fan 109 (FIG. 5) thatforces air across the radiator 105. The fan 109 directs air in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the engine 101 is disposed between thebaling chamber 62 and the cab 121 enclosing the operating station 13. Insome embodiments, the “operator station” comprises the seat and controlsfor steering and controlling the speed of the vehicle 1. The operatorstation 13 is enclosed in a cab 121 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, theoperator station 13 is forward of the baling device 5, forward of therotational axis R₁₇ of the rear drive wheels 17 and is also forward tothe engine 101.

At least a portion of the operator station 13 and/or cab 121 aredisposed above the caster wheels 27 (i.e., above the caster wheels 27when generally aligned with the longitudinal axis A as the vehicle ispropelled forward.) Stated otherwise, at least a portion of theoperation station 13 and/or cab 121 overlap the front caster wheels 27relative to the longitudinal axis A (e.g., overlap a trailing portion ofthe caster wheel, overlap the caster wheel axle or overlap the entirecaster wheel when the caster wheels 27 are generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis A as the vehicle is propelled forward). Generally, thecab 121 and operation station 13 (e.g., operator seat) are notreversible.

A distance D₁ (FIG. 1) separates the rotational axis R₁₇ of the reardrive wheels and the rotation axis R₂₇ of the front caster wheels 27. Insome embodiments, D1 is at least about 80 inches, at least about 100inches or at least about 125 inches (e.g., from about 80 inches to about200 inches, from about 100 inches to about 180 inches or from about 110inches to about 150 inches). In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 has awidth (from first side 58 to second side 59) with the wheelbase (D1)being less than the width.

In some embodiments, the distance D₂ between the rear wheel rotationalaxis R₁₇ and the operator station 13 is at least about 0.4*D₁ (i.e., theoperator station is forward R₁₇ by at least about 40% of the distancebetween the axis R₁₇, R₂₇), or at least about 0.5*D₁ or even at leastabout 0.6*D₁. In some embodiments, the distance D₃ between the rearwheel rotational axis R₁₇ and the back of the cab 121 is at least about0.3*D₁ or at least about 0.4*D₁ or even at least about 0.5*D₁.

The baling chamber 62 has a central axis C that is transverse to thelongitudinal axis A of the vehicle and that intersects the center ofmass of a completed bale (i.e., the rotational axis of the bale as inround bales) after the bale is formed in the chamber 62. The centralaxis C of the baling chamber 62 may be positioned on the vehicle suchthat at least about 60% or even at least about 70%, or even at leastabout 80% (e.g., about 75% to about 85%) of the weight of the vehicle issupported by the rear wheels 17. In various embodiments, this may beachieved by positioning the center axis C of the baling chamber 62 at orbehind the rotational axis R₁₇ of the rear drive wheels 17 relative tothe longitudinal axis A of the vehicle 1 (i.e., is between therotational axis R₁₇ and the rear end 57 of the vehicle 1). In someembodiments, the center axis C of the baling chamber 62 may be forwardto the rotational axis R₁₇ of the rear drive wheels 17 with the distancebetween the central axis C of the baling chamber 62 and the rotationalaxis R₁₇ being less than about 0.25*D₁, or less than about 0.15*D₁ oreven less than about 0.10*D₁.

To measure the percentage of the total weight of the vehicle 1 supportedby the rear wheels 17, the vehicle 1 may be weighed on a scale with onlythe rear wheels 17 resting on the scale.

The central axis of the baling chamber generally corresponds to thecenter axis of a completed bale (i.e., fully formed bale) which may bedetermined by any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the central axisis determined by determining the outer circumference of the bale asdefined by the position of the baler rollers 66 and/or belts 64.

Compared to conventional baling implements, the self-propelled balingvehicle has several advantages. By incorporating front caster wheels andhydraulic rear drive wheels that rotate independently, the balingvehicle is highly maneuverable and is able to turn within its ownfootprint (i.e., with a zero-turn radius). This allows the vehicle to beturned quickly such as for repositioning prior to bale discharge toprevent bales from rolling down an incline during bale discharge. Bypositioning the baling chamber toward the rear of the vehicle such thatat least about 60% or even at least about 70% (e.g., 75% to about 85%)of the weight of the vehicle is placed on the rear drive wheels, thebalance, performance, and traction of the vehicle may be improved. Lessweight (20% to about 40%) is then suspended at the front of the vehicleat which the operator station is positioned which improves the qualityof ride for the operator. By positioning the engine transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the vehicle, the wheelbase may be shortened andchaff may be blown crossway. In embodiments in which the baling vehicleincludes two caster wheels, the two caster wheels can be spaced to allowa large opening for the windrow to pass to the baling chamber.

By positioning the operator station and cab relatively forward and nearthe front caster wheels (e.g., at least partially overlapping therotational axis of the front wheels), the operator has a clear field ofvision of the windrow. In addition, the operator station is near thesuspension system (e.g., at least partially disposed above) whichimproves the operator ride and reduces operator fatigue.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” “essentially” and“approximately” when used in conjunction with ranges of dimensions,concentrations, temperatures or other physical or chemical properties orcharacteristics is meant to cover variations that may exist in the upperand/or lower limits of the ranges of the properties or characteristics,including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurementmethodology or other statistical variation.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” “containing” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g.,“top”, “bottom”, “side”, etc.) is for convenience of description anddoes not require any particular orientation of the item described.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methodswithout departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not ina limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-propelled baling vehicle for forming abale of material, the vehicle having a vertical axis and a longitudinalaxis, the baling vehicle comprising: a chassis; first and second reardrive wheels attached to the chassis, the first and second rear drivewheels each having a rotational axis; drive systems for independentlycontrolling a drive speed of each of the first and second rear drivewheels so that the speed of the first rear drive wheel is selectivelycontrollable relative to a speed of the second rear drive wheel and sothat differences in the first rear drive wheel speed and the second reardrive wheel speed enable vehicle steering; a front caster wheelconnected to the chassis, the front caster wheel being mounted on asuspension mechanism to allow the front caster wheel to move toward thechassis relative to the vertical axis, the front caster wheel having arotational axis, wherein a distance D₁ separates the rotational axes ofthe rear drive wheels and the rotational axis of the front caster wheel;a cab, the cab at least partially overlapping a portion of the frontcaster wheel relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and abaling chamber for forming the bale, the chamber having a central axisthat is transverse to the longitudinal axis and intersecting a center ofmass of the completed bale, the central axis being (1) at or rearward tothe rotational axes of the first and second rear drive wheels or (2)forward to the rotational axes of the first and second rear drive wheelswith the distance between the central axis and the rotational axes ofthe first and second rear drive wheels being less than about 0.25*D₁. 2.The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein eachdrive system comprises a hydraulic drive motor.
 3. The self-propelledbaling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the vehicle has a frontand a rear relative to the longitudinal axis, the front corresponding toa leading end of the vehicle and the rear corresponding to a trailingend of the vehicle relative to a direction of travel of the vehicleduring bale formation, the central axis of the baling chamber beingdisposed between the rotational axes of the rear drive wheels and therear of the vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis.
 4. Theself-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein thevehicle comprises an engine for propelling the vehicle, the engine beingdisposed between a rotational axis of the front caster wheel and therotational axes of the rear drive wheels.
 5. The self-propelled balingvehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an operator station,at least a portion of the operator station being above the front casterwheel.
 6. The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 1further comprising an operator station, there being a distance D₂between the rear wheel rotational axis and the operator station, D₂being at least about 0.4D₁.
 7. The self-propelled baling vehicle as setforth in claim 1 wherein the front caster wheel is a first front casterwheel, the vehicle comprising a second front caster wheel connected tothe chassis, each front caster wheel being mounted on a suspensionmechanism to allow the front caster wheels to move toward the chassisrelative to the vertical axis.
 8. The self-propelled baling vehicle asset forth in claim 1 wherein there is a distance D₃ between the rearwheel rotational axis and the cab, D₃ being at least about 0.3*D₁. 9.The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein, in adrive wheel steering mode, the front caster wheel is freely pivotal withrespect to the chassis such that the front caster wheel pivots withrespect to the chassis in response to differences in the first reardrive wheel speed and the second rear drive wheel speed.
 10. Theself-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein thecentral axis of the baling chamber is at or rearward to the rotationalaxes of the first and second rear drive wheels.
 11. The self-propelledbaling vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the central axis of thebaling chamber is forward to the rotational axes of the first and secondrear drive wheels with the distance between the central axis and therotational axes of the first and second rear drive wheels being lessthan about 0.25*D₁.
 12. A self-propelled baling vehicle for forming abale of material, the baling vehicle having a weight and comprising: achassis; first and second rear drive wheels attached to the chassis, thefirst and second rear drive wheels each having a rotational axis, atleast about 60% of the weight of the vehicle being supported by the reardrive wheels; drive systems for independently controlling a drive speedof each of the first and second rear drive wheels so that the speed ofthe first rear drive wheel is selectively controllable relative to aspeed of the second rear drive wheel and so that differences in thefirst rear drive wheel speed and the second rear drive wheel speedenable vehicle steering; a front caster wheel connected to the chassis;a cab, the cab at least partially overlapping a portion of the frontcaster wheel relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; and abaling chamber for forming the bale.
 13. The self-propelled balingvehicle as set forth in claim 12 wherein at least about 70% of theweight of the vehicle is supported by the rear drive wheels.
 14. Theself-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 12 wherein the cabbeing above the front caster wheel relative to a vertical axis of thevehicle.
 15. The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 12wherein the vehicle comprises an engine for propelling the vehicle, theengine being disposed between a rotational axis of the front casterwheel and the rotational axes of the rear drive wheels.
 16. Theself-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 12 wherein eachdrive system comprises: a hydraulic motor to rotate the rear drivewheel; and a hydraulic pump fluidly connected to the hydraulic motor,the baling vehicle further comprising a control unit to control anoutput of each hydraulic pump.
 17. A self-propelled baling vehicle forforming a bale of material, the baling vehicle comprising: a chassis;first and second rear drive wheels attached to the chassis, the firstand second rear drive wheels each having a rotational axis; drivesystems for independently controlling a drive speed of each of the firstand second rear drive wheels so that the speed of the first rear drivewheel is selectively controllable relative to a speed of the second reardrive wheel and so that differences in the first rear drive wheel speedand the second rear drive wheel speed enable vehicle steering; a frontcaster wheel connected to the chassis; a cab enclosing an operatorstation, the cab at least partially overlapping a portion of the frontcaster wheel relative to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle; a balingchamber for forming the bale; and an engine for propelling the vehicle,the engine being disposed between the cab and the baling chamber. 18.The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 17 wherein thecab is above the front caster wheel relative to a vertical axis of thevehicle.
 19. The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forth in claim 12wherein the vehicle has a wheelbase and a width, the wheelbase beingless than the width.
 20. The self-propelled baling vehicle as set forthin claim 17 wherein the vehicle has a wheelbase and a width, thewheelbase being less than the width.